"It is wonderful that Basie has gathered together the clear memories and faded photos of the long, adventure-filled safari that is his life. He has ensured that long after we are all gone, future hunters can read all about how a safari industry started in Namibia - who were the first trophy hunters that came to the southern African shores and who were the professional hunters that guided them, leading the way for it to become the most sought after hunting area in the world."

from the foreword by Brooke Chilvers Lubin

 The African safari is one of the grandest adventures in the world, and in southern Africa it all began with one man: Basie Maartens. The Last Safari tells of the historic, turbulent, and at times dangerous career of this fifth-generation South African, generally regarded as the first licensed professional hunter in southern Africa. Through evocative stories and hundreds of photos from Basie's personal collection, The Last Safari chronicles not only the life and times of one man but the many thrilling tales and colorful characters that made the southern swath of Africa the legendary hunting grounds they remain today.

Reading The Last Safari is like sitting around a campfire with Basie, trademark guitar in hand, as he recounts his life in old Africa:

The Last Safari contains more than 200 historic photos taken on safari and at hunting industry functions, representing 50 years of people, places, and events. This welcome autobiography is sure to be one of the most significant books ever written on the romance and realities of safari hunting in Africa.